ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday welcomed Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani in Antalya as world leaders gathered for the United Nations COP31 climate summit to discuss global warming, environmental protection, and the transition to clean energy.
President Barzani arrived in Antalya on Tuesday at Erdogan's official invitation to participate in the two-day leaders' summit, which forms part of the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference, running from November 9 to 20.
Iraqi President Nizar Amedi also arrived in Antalya on Tuesday, accompanied by Environment Minister Sarwa Abdulwahid, Water Resources Minister Muthanna al-Tamimi, and several lawmakers. Amedi is expected to address the conference and meet other leaders to discuss climate cooperation.
The summit comes as Iraq and the Kurdistan Region grapple with worsening drought, declining water resources, desertification, and extreme weather, placing growing pressure on agriculture, livelihoods, and infrastructure.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also arrived in Antalya on Wednesday, according to Iranian state media. Before departing Tehran, he said Iran would raise the environmental consequences of US and Israeli military actions during the conference.
Iraq's Environment Ministry said its participation would focus on climate financing, water security, renewable energy, and implementing the country's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which outline its commitments under the Paris Agreement.
In October, Iraq launched an updated climate action plan targeting a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of up to 22 percent below projected levels by 2035. Five percentage points of that target are unconditional, while the remaining 17 depend on international financial and technical support.
Environment Minister Abdulwahid said COP31 offered an opportunity to strengthen partnerships, attract investment, and develop practical solutions to Iraq's environmental challenges.
The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) is also participating in several discussions at the Iraqi pavilion, presenting its environmental priorities, sustainable investment opportunities, and plans to address the effects of climate change.
